You have the perfect driving record, and you’ve never been an at-fault driver in an accident. You’ve never even run a red light. Before driving a new car, you make sure you have the best auto insurance. You have a good credit history and low premiums. You do everything in your power to prevent damaging a car, or so you think. But what about when you borrow your partner’s car? They may trust you, but is it even legal to drive it?
If you have to travel and don’t own a vehicle, there is good news for you. It’s perfectly legal to drive your partner’s car. However, before you get in the driver’s seat, make sure everything is in order. If not, you could be held legally responsible. Even if you’re a good driver, this extra step will help give you peace of mind. Make sure the vehicle has car insurance and proper registration. In countries like Australia, you need to ensure you have compulsory third party auto insurance. Here are a few other things you need to know before you drive your partner’s vehicle.
Find out what you need.
Even if you’re a good driver, you can end up in an at-fault accident. You may have to pay for property damage. You could be liable for the other driver’s medical bills. If you don’t have insurance, you could end up in legal trouble. You never know when you may need to borrow someone’s car. As a motorist, you should know what the minimum coverage is. However, you should dig a little deeper.
Learn all about life insurance, comprehensive insurance, liability coverage, and how much coverage you need to prevent accident costs. Find out about things like premiums and deductibles, and whether an insurance company will give you a warranty. And, while you’re at it, find out how to get a lower car insurance premium, too. You can call an insurance company for a free car insurance quote. However, it’s a better idea to get car insurance quotes online and compare car insurance with iSelect so you can review numerous options. This way, you will be aware of everything that’s out there.
Ask about the vehicle’s car insurance.
Once you know all about the types of insurance, this next step is easy. What kind of insurance policy does the vehicle have? Talk to the owner — your partner — about their auto insurance before you get behind the wheel. Everything from motorist coverage to the type of overall auto insurance coverage makes a difference. Also, ask your partner about coverage options. Does it have collision coverage? What about liability coverage? Does it cover medical expenses and property damage in case of an accident? What are your options in case of an at-fault accident? What is the insurance policy for uninsured drivers? Find out everything you can about the auto policy.
If your partner can’t answer all your questions, don’t hesitate to call the car insurance company. After all, if you’re behind the wheel, it’s your responsibility. There are several things you may not have even considered. For instance, does the car’s auto insurance only cover personal use? If that’s the case, you may not be able to use it for commercial activity. Also, ask your insurance company if you’re covered to drive your partner’s car.
Get familiar with the car.
Road accidents have become a public health issue all over the world. To prevent them, remember to be a responsible motorist. This is especially important in a vehicle you don’t own. You may know what auto insurance the car has, but that isn’t enough. You also need to know where the owner keeps the car insurance and registration papers.
If it’s a new car, ask about the coverage and auto insurance. If they have a warranty, you can’t take the car to a mechanic for repairs. Find out about the type of gas it takes, and whether there are any known problems. If you know the car inside and out, you can prevent any at-fault accidents.
Get a lawyer.
You may think there’s no relation between driving your partner’s car and experienced trial attorneys. However, you need to ensure you have coverage for any legal issues that may arise in the event of a car accident. You may get charged with wrongful death, you may be an expert witness, or you may need to file a lawsuit. You may sustain a personal injury entitling you to compensation.
If you are the injured party, you may have to visit a healthcare provider. If you have a car accident and are not fully conscious, you may be at risk of medical malpractice or medical negligence when you receive treatment. So, it’s a good idea to have a medical malpractice lawyer you can call in the case of an emergency. Search for one in your area by typing in something like, “New Mexico medical malpractice attorneys” to find the best medical malpractice lawyer in New Mexico. After all, even the most deserving medical malpractice lawsuit will fail if your lawyer is not familiar with New Mexico law.
